In what appears to be a move to get Umno into shape for the crucial 13th general election, Prime Minister Najib Razak today announced a possible party leadership reshuffle.

However, he refused to divulge details on the matter, telling journalists that it will be made public "when the time is right".

Najib's announcement, during his winding-up speech at the 61st Umno annual general assembly, came after his deputy, Muhyiddin Yassin, hinted that snap polls may be called in "a few months’ time".

Umno delegates have called for local leaders be appointed to head

the party in states not under the BN's rule.

Najib said the change would make the party better prepared to face the coming general election.

NONE The Umno president also made much mention of the upcoming general election, stating that the national and state Umno leadership must be strong to ensure a "big win" for the party.

He also noted that the party's message must be acceptable to the rakyat and winnable candidates be fielded in order for Umno to have "overwhelming" success in the polls.

Raising eyebrows further, he announced that he will embark on a nationwide tour alongside Muhyiddin.

While his multiple mention of the general election piqued interest, the premier chose to leave the question hanging when quizzed by reporters later.

"(People) can interpret in so many ways but it's important for us to meet the people. I've always said that."

Seven-point transformation plan

In his speech, Najib also outlined a seven-point transformation plan, which include focusing on the four million-odd new young voters.

The plan will also focus on the need to immediately resolve internal party squabbles and to avoid cronyism.

In addition, it vows to increase the party’s usage of social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter to reach a greater number of Malaysians.

Meanwhile, in a recurring theme, the prime minister gave his own take to what he said is opposition spin - that Umno need not retain power to ensure that Malay rights are protected given that, as Najib had argued, these rights are already enshrined in the constitution.

"It may be locked in the constitution but political power must remain with Umno so that the spirit (of the articles in the constitution) will be interpreted properly.

"(The opposition) is too stupid (bangang) to understand or are pretending that they don't understand.

"Umno will save Malays and our country (unlike the opposition) who were once busy with reformasi and ended up ‘baling kerusi’ (throwing chairs)," he said.

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